"We are very excited to be hosting such a unique partnership event here in Western North Carolina," said Dale Carroll, president and CEO of AdvantageWest Economic Development Group. "The Tennessee Valley Corridor is aligned with so many of the same initiatives and goals we have for our region and the many world-class science, technology, economic development and research partners and institutions here in Western North Carolina, and through this event, we look forward to sharing information and finding ways to work together for the benefit of both regions."

"The Tennessee Valley Corridor has hosted 19 regional and national economic development Summits throughout the Tennessee Valley and in Washington, D.C. over the past 13 years," said Tom Rogers, chairman of the Tennessee Valley Corridor Board of Directors. "We are excited to expand the reach of the Corridor events into Western North Carolina and to learn from one another and explore new ways to help solve the nation's energy and environmental challenges."